FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific, was honored during a Flying "V" ceremony held at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, May 28.
The Flying "V" ceremony was held to honor Pasquarette for his distinguished service as he prepares to depart USARPAC. The "V" refers to the way the colors are posted during the ceremony, which is V-shaped.
Fifteen of USARPAC's subordinate and theater-enabling commands on the parade field by Soldiers bearing the organizational colors and command teams.
U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks officiated the ceremony and addressed Pasquarette's importance to USARPAC and the impact he had on the command.
"Now we take a few moments to honor, thank, to say goodbye- or at least see you later- to a great general, a great friend of Carol and me personally, and certainly to US Army Pacific and the broader (Pacific Command) team, and that's Maj. Gen. Jim Pasquarette and his family."
Pasquarette has 32 years on active duty with the U.S. Army. He has been with USARPAC since 2013 during which time he moved from the chief of staff position to the deputy commanding general.
"Jim's arrival marked the elevation of the USARPAC chief of staff position, which is what he came in to do," Brooks said. "He elevated it from that of a Col. to that of a major general position ... He did a tremendous job of a being a manifestation of that rebalance."
Brooks recounted how successful this year was and how Pasquarette helped expand their relationships with USARPAC's key partners in the region.
"He opened doors that did not previously provide opportunity for us, building on relationships that are strong and solid and making them even stronger, deepening our relationships and our connections with this critically important region," Brooks said.
Brooks went on to thank Pasquarette for his contributions to USARPAC and stated how glad Pasquarette will be staying in the USARPAC Theater.
"Jim and Liz's next adventure will take them to Japan; to Camp Zama, another place where we have long history, and long tradition, and a very strong relationship," Brooks said. "Jim will take over the critical responsibilities as [both] the commanding general of I Corps Forward and US Army-Japan. The good news is ... we get to keep this team in the Pacific a little longer. It is really great news for the command that they'll be staying with us in a different capacity yet."
Pasquarette responded in kind that working alongside U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, was one of the greatest highlights of his career.
"Gen. Brooks, you're the best boss I've ever had; probably ever will have," Pasquarette said. "And the good thing is you'll still continue to be my boss, my commander, as I move onto Japan."
He went on to say he was fortunate to have had such a "super boss, two rewarding and enjoyable jobs (and) wonderful people to work with," as well as a fantastic community that supported his family and him.
Pasquarette finished up by stating that while this tour of duty has been the most rewarding and broadening of his career, his family and he are eager to move to Japan.
"Everyone I've talked to about Japan thinks we are going to have a great experience," Pasquarette said. "Nobody has said one bad thing about it. So Mr. Consulate General over here from Japan, you can send a report forward that the Pasquarettes are coming and we're very enthusiastic about what's in front of us."
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